State economic chief's casino holdings raising questions

The state’s top economic development official, who has pushed lawmakers to legalize gaming and touted the economic benefits of resort casinos, bought stock in two Las Vegas gaming companies last year, according to financial disclosure records filed with the State Ethics Commission.

Gregory Bialecki, secretary of housing and economic development, said he held more than $17,000 in stock in Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Wynn Resorts Ltd., both of which have expressed interest in building casinos in Massachusetts and together spent more than $1 million lobbying the issue. Bialecki said he sold the stock last week after The Globe raised questions about the appearance of a conflict of interest.